Why is there a greater risk of genetic problems in offspring of older fathers?

Question

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9D01E1D81738F934A25756C0A962958260 Genetic Mutation Tied to Father in Most Cases

Genetic Mutations Tied To Father in Most Cases
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By NATALIE ANGIER
Published: May 17, 1994
"I think we could eliminate quite a bit of human mutation if males either reproduced at a young age, or stored their youthful sperm on nitrogen for use later in life," he said.

Answer 1

Everything that is old is in some way failing. There is a cascade of events that lead ultimately to failure as organisms age. The process of meiosis that generates gametes is involved in this process as well. So cells that are old that are supposed to give rise to new cells via meiosis are not as fit to provide good copies of themselves.
However, it should be noted that there are far fewer problems associated with older fathers than there are with older mothers. Remember that mothers are born with the eggs that they have through their lifetimes. Fathers are constantly manufacturing new sperm cells through-out their lifetime.

Answer 2

I agree with previous answer - sperm cells are constantly being produced in a male - they have not been present during the males lifespan and, therefore, are not subject to damage by exposure to radiation, chemicals etc. as are the female eggs which are present at birth and released monthly.

Answer 3

The problem lies with older mothers who have had the same eggs since puberty. Sperm are absorbed an new ones created constantly,,;-)=

Answer 4

Old, sticky chromosomes that have been "around the block" more, because of being in that older body longer (they have been exposed to radiation, smog, food additives, etc).